Seattle is about to shine brighter than ever. From October 15 to 18, 2026, Refract: The Seattle Glass Experience returns to celebrate the city’s world-famous glass art scene, with dozens of exhibitions, live demonstrations, parties and hands-on experiences across the region.
Hosted by Visit Seattle, Chihuly Garden and Glass and more than 50 arts organizations, this year’s festival celebrates a milestone year of glass art anniversaries — a story of innovation, collaboration and a thriving creative community that has made Seattle a global destination for glass.
The lineup is packed with can’t-miss moments: “Gather,” the official opening party; the second annual glassblowing film festival; open studios at more than 20 typically private artist spaces; a guided tour of Dale Chihuly’s private studio, The Boathouse; and a special tour of the glass art collection at SEA Airport.
There is also a citywide glass scavenger hunt with eight hidden, limited-edition medallions and prizes for the lucky finders. Visitors can try glass cutting classes with artist Karen Seymour, watch candle-holder glassblowing demos, or catch exhibitions like Mikey Cozza’s “Luminous Forms” and Eunsun Choi’s “The Kinetic Lens.”
Many events are free, and programming spans Seattle, Everett, Bainbridge Island, Issaquah and Tacoma. Whether you are a dedicated collector or discovering glass art for the first time, there is no better time to visit Seattle and see why the Emerald City glows like no other place on earth.
Photo: Refract Seattle
